Thinning epoxy

[Robert Zambelli]

Maybe this was discussed here before but here goes.

I have used brushed on Finish Coat epoxy with good results.

Has anyone ever thinned it to a spray consistency?

Results?

THANKS, Bob Z.

[john e. holliday]

WHY?  If it is for a finish, just go get some Klas-Kote Clear.   

[Tim Wescott]

I thin epoxy glue to brush consistency to fuel-proof engine compartments and whatnot.

Use 99% isopropyl alcohol, and let us know if it's a good cheapskate way to spray epoxy!

(Watch the mist, though -- epoxy is way toxic, in a sneaky cumulative sort of way.  Ever since developing a sensitivity to CA I've worn gloves with epoxy.  I don't want to lose another glue I can use with impunity, and I don't want my doctor telling me I can't build model airplanes any more).

[Neville Legg]

You can use pure Methanol to thin epoxy!

Cheers    Neville

[Robert Zambelli]

Gentlemen: Thanks for the advice. I used methanol and it worked perfectly.

I used it to refinish my steering wheel.

Check the results!

                              Bob Z.

[sleepy gomez]

A few years ago when I was the Technical Editor/writer at Stock Car Racing magazine I wrote an article about using J-B Weld (an epoxy) in a puncture type radiator repair.  I used denatured (no water) alcohol to thin the J-B Weld.  The company didn't know that alcohol could be used to thin their product.  They sent me a care package containing all of the products they made!  Seven years later and I'm still using out of that care package.  Good people, good products.

[Dwayne]

I used to read that mag almost religously, is it still being puplished?

[Mike Anderson]

.....  I used denatured (no water) alcohol to thin the J-B Weld.  ....

I think you mean the medical grade isopropyl which is over 90% pure (where the 'common' isopropyl is 75 to 80 %).

'Denatured' is ethanol with enough methanol added to make it poisonous.

I've actually used all three to thin epoxy at various times - it doesn't seem to matter much to the epoxy.

[john e. holliday]

Gentlemen: Thanks for the advice. I used methanol and it worked perfectly.

I used it to refinish my steering wheel.

Check the results!

                              Bob Z.

Now do you have a new pair of drivers gloves for that?  Don't want greasy fringer prints all over it.

[FLOYD CARTER]

Answer to sleepy.  I used JB Weld to repair a radiator on my Toyota.  The seam on the top opened up, and JB Weld saved me $100 for a new radiator!  Floyd

[Hoss Cain]

I thin epoxy glue to brush consistency to fuel-proof engine compartments and whatnot.

For that kind of thinning, try mixing whatever type epoxy you want, then take your "money"-kote heatgun or a good hairdrier or any heat gun, and heat it up. The epoxy will turn Gin-Thin and run all over. Some cheap brushes and tou can fuel proof large areas very quickly. keep it warm as soon as it begans to cool, it will start setting regardless of the time for the specific epoxy. Slower setting epoxy may take some time to lose all the sticky but it quickly will stop running when the heat is removed.

[sleepy gomez]

To Dwayne post #6:  I couldn't make the PM work so I am answering here.  No SCR is no longer being published.  I left almost 3 years ago, ok I was canned.  Two years later they ceased publication.  They specifically did not want to do an online magazine.  So I started my own, underfunded and possibly ahead of my time.  Management didn't like that.  Oval Track Digest lasted just over a year.  I still write monthly articles for www.theracersresource.com  and a weekly tech column in Area Auto Racing News.  . 

[john e. holliday]

The rag that replaced "Stock Car Racing" is just too technical.  May let subxcription lapse as I don't race myself, but, love watching the guys/gals on the dirt 1/2 mile.   

[don Burke]

Agree with you on 1/2 mi dirt tracks!

I use WEST systems epoxy, IMO it's the easiest to work with I've ever used.  Get the pros and cons on thinning epoxy here:

http://www.seqair.com/skunkworks/Glues/WestSystem/Thinning/Thinning.html

[mike hartung]

Don, that was very interesting read about epoxy, thanks for the link.